Advice if travelling to the 2023 Rugby World Cup (France)

The Rugby World Cup 2023 will take place between 8 September to 28 October, 2023 in France.

Forty eight matches are being played in nine venues in host cities located across the country. Twenty teams, including Scotland, England Ireland and Wales will be participating in the tournament. Fixtures can be seen on the match schedule.

The potential health risks will vary between individuals attending the World Cup depending on individual health risk factors, the amount of time spent in France, varying infection-related risks across the country, planned leisure pursuits and if onward travel to another destination is scheduled.

Advice for Travellers

Before Travel

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have prepared travel guidance specific to the Rugby World Cup, which includes advice for fans to:

• plan ahead due to the increased demand on transport and accommodation
• check their passport is valid for entering the Schengen area
• check if their EHIC or GHIC is in date, or apply for one
• ensure they have valid travel insurance in place

The pre-travel consultation provides a good opportunity to check a traveller is up to date with UK schedule vaccines. In the past, large gatherings of people including at sporting events, have been responsible for the transmission of highly infectious diseases such as measles and influenza.

• There has been a recent increase in cases of measles in Europe
• All travellers should ensure in advance that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine
• Travellers in high risk groups should be encouraged to have a seaonal flu vaccine (if eligible) before travel (available in the UK from mid-September)

During Travel

Crowding around stadiums and public transport increases the risk of both respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.

• Food and water precautions and respiratory hygiene should be discussed with all travellers.

Arthropod-borne diseases are a potential risk and there have been recent reports of locally-acquired tick-borne encephalitis and dengue fever in France.

• Check the alerts section for information on outbreaks.
• All travellers should be advised to practice appropriate insect and tick bite prevention measures.

Excessive alcohol and/or drug use can lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviours which may lead to incidents such as accidents and/or injuries occurring.

• Carrying a simple first aid kit can help to self-manage basic health problems
• Practicing safer sex and the use of condoms can help reduce the risk of blood borne viruses and other sexual health risks

The temperatures in France can still be hot, even in the Autumn months.

• Travellers should be advised to keep well hydrated and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, and/or wear a head covering.
• Practicing sun safety can help reduce the risk of sunstroke and other heat disorders in warm weather, as well as skin cancer.

For further information on disease risks, other health risks and vaccination advice, see the France country page.

After Travel

Travellers should be advised that if they become unwell in the weeks/months after travel, particularly with a fever, flu-like symptoms, rash and/or diarrhoea, they should seek prompt medical advice, and ensure they mention their travel history to the health professional.